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TRAVEL NEWS, TIPS, AND TIDBITS Q2 2020
TATTLERTHE
TRAVEL
H U F F M A N T R AV E LC H I C AG O • DAY TO N
TRIPS OF A LIFETIME • NEW ENGLAND • CHARLESTON • PARIS • SANTA BARBARA
#TRAVELTOLIVE
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 2
“Travel is not reward for working, it’s education for living.”—Anthony Bourdain
Dear Friends and Travelers,
I trust this edition of the Huffman Travel Tattler
finds you healthy and happy, and enjoying some of the
silver linings that the pandemic has delivered. As you
well know, the travel industry was the first industry to
experience the impact of the virus and as such, many
of you were forced to postpone trips you’d planned
and dreamed of taking. Together, we have worked
with hundreds of clients and travel partners to revise,
recreate and reboot your travel plans. We take pride
in knowing we have successfully advocated for your
needs in times of such uncertainty.
As we look toward the summer, it is with great
enthusiasm that our phones and emails are filled with
messages from so many of you… ready to travel again!
Is it safe to travel? Where can we travel? What will
the ’new’ travel experience look like and what should
we expect?
Our team has spent this period of ‘pause’ deepening
our relationships with the key hospitality partners in
North America with the belief that the first ‘frontier’
to explore is our own backyard. The USA offers so
much diversity of experiences. This summer, for those
of you who are ready to travel, there is no better time
to experience our own country. The national parks
are all due to reopen (to varying levels) in the coming
weeks. The parks will never again be this quiet — no
international tourists, no bus tours, and no crowds!
Alaska too is open and offers a serenity of place that is
ripe for social distancing. When the borders to Canada
open, the wide open wilderness of the Canadian
Rockies and its fresh air will also be calling.
Will travel be different? Yes, most certainly. Will
travelers need to adjust their expectations? Absolutely.
When you are ready to travel again, an added benefit
is that you will be supporting local, small businesses
around the world and especially in the USA. Travel is
about exploring and travel this summer will be about
exploring in a careful and respectful manner. It won’t be
for everyone, but I am quite sure for those of you who do
venture out, you will create memories you’ll never regret.
P L E A S E S H A R E T H I S N E W S L E T T E R W I T H F R I E N D S A N D FA M I LY !
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TRAVEL
#TraveltoLive
by Shawna Huffman OwenPresident & CEO
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 3
If there’s one thing we can be sure
of in 2020, it’s that experiencing
this planet is an enormous privilege
which we will never again take for
granted. While we prepare for travel
in America’s backyard in the short
term, we’re also looking forward to
experiences in remote destinations
that celebrate nature as well as our
own wellbeing. After all, who doesn’t
need something to look forward to?
Safari in Botswana
When Botswana’s Okavango Delta
floods, the channels of “the river that
never finds the sea” glimmer under
the African sun. Safari-goers can
explore the grassy floodplains on
a traditional game drive or on foot,
but we believe the papyrus-fringed
banks are best seen by mokoro — a
traditional dugout canoe. Pair your
time in the Delta with a meerkat
safari in the Kalahari, a picnic under
baobab trees on the Makgadikdgadi
Salt Pans, or a visit to elephant-rich
Chobe National Park. Our favorite
camps are small, and often fill up
more than a year in advance, but
Botswana is well worth the wait.
Private Jet Expedition with Aman
The Aman Private Jet experience
is more akin to a charter, with
a 12-person maximum and an
extension of the brand’s passion
for privacy, wellness, and remote
locales. Our favorite journeys
combine a spiritual escape in Bhutan
with a beach break in Phuket; the
legendary island of Bali with lesser-
known corners of Indonesia, and
Southeast Asia’s most fascinating
sites — from Luang Prabang in Laos
to Cambodia’s temples of Angkor.
Galápagos Islands
In the archipelago made famous
by Charles Darwin, the blue-footed
boobie, sea lion, and giant tortoise
take center stage. Galápagos
National Park guides mitigate
crowding and environmental
stress with strict rules limiting the
number of people on each island
at any given time. In fact, it’s rare
for one group of travelers to come
across another while exploring the
islands’ dramatic landscapes. Our
favorite yachts and catamarans are
small, with less than 20 cabins, and
they are required to rotate their
itineraries. This means that travelers
who want to see a particular
species, like the penguins primarily
found on Fernandina Island, must
plan their visit well in advance.
Ancient Egypt
The pyramids, sacred temples, and
bustling souks of Ancient Egypt
have captivated imaginations for
9TRIPS BEST PLANNED MORE THAN A YEAR
IN ADVANCE
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 4
centuries. After years of political
uncertainty, travelers have begun
flocking back to Cairo, Aswan,
and Luxor. However, visiting the
Great Sphinx of Giza with a well-
regarded Egyptologist or sailing
the Nile on a top-of-the-line ship
often requires months of foresight.
Churchill, Canada
Two words: Polar bears. In the
northernmost region of Canada’s
Manitoba Province, arctic safaris
in rovers built for the tundra allow
the uber-adventurous to track
the King of the Arctic. Each fall,
the world’s largest concentration
of polar bears convenes on the
western edge of the Hudson Bay,
waiting for the ice to form and
their winter seal-hunting season
to begin. Small groups, guided
by expert naturalist guides, have
the opportunity to view the bears
— and, when the conditions are
right, the magnificent Northern
Lights. The Churchill polar bears’
migration pattern creates a travel
window of just two months each
year.
Patagonia
Luxury Lodges in Chile’s
breathtaking Torres del Paine
National Park are rare and small.
While fewer people means
more exclusivity and space to
enjoy Patagonia’s snow-capped
mountains, blue glaciers, and
sparkling lakes — it also means
that journeys to “The Land of
the Giants” must be planned
in advance in order secure
availability during the region’s
relatively short mild season of
October – April.
Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
It’s 8:30 a.m. and you’re hacking
your way through a thicket of
bamboo in Volcanoes National
Park. As the mist clears, you
round a corner with your Singita
Kwitonda guide and the adrenaline
kicks in, awakening every sense. No
more than 30 feet ahead is a band
of gorillas, bathing in the morning
light. Access to this park is highly
regulated, with just 80 trekking
permits issued per day. Rwanda —
home to silverback gorillas, golden
monkeys, and a growing number
of luxury lodges — is rewriting its
legacy as the safest country on the
continent with special appeal to
high-end travelers.
Antarctica Expedition Cruise
Whether you prefer Silversea’s all-
suite accommodation or the luxury
of having a National Geographic
photo instructor onboard Lindblad,
expedition cruises to Earth’s last
great wilderness frontier are the
ultimate Bucket List experience.
After all, you can’t visit all seven
continents without Antarctica!
It is for this reason that intrepid
travelers are willing to wait a year,
and sometimes more, for limited
cabin space in a short travel
season. Luckily for Huffman Travel
clients, the best cruise lines alert us
to new sail dates well in advance.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The popularity of this 15th-century
Incan citadel nestled high in the
slopes of the Andes motivated
Peru’s Minister of Culture to
issue new rules governing visits
to Machu Picchu in recent years.
While Huffman Travel advisors
handle the logistics, trail permits,
guides, and train tickets are best
secured with a long lead time. Our
suggestion: pair this tourist mecca
with the culinary capital of Lima,
colorful Cusco, and a respite in the
Sacred Valley.
continued from page 3
by Lauren KrogerLuxury Travel Advisor
A trip to New England this
year is sure to be fantastic:
Less crowds flocking to the small
seaside towns, limited international
travelers coming to experience
the fall foliage, and locally-owned
hotels and partners whose only
wish is to pamper you.
One of our favorite itineraries,
New England can be enjoyed in
Spring, Summer, or — even better
— during this year’s fall foliage from
the second week of September to
its peak the first week in October.
We suggest starting in Newport,
where you can marvel at the
infamous mansions and toast to
the Golden Era on a private sunset
sail. Driving to Boston, consider a
detour to Old Sturbridge Village,
Massachusetts’ living museum. In
Boston, we’d like for you to learn
about the first immigrants and
discover the fantastic history of
the city. Baseball fans? Why not
enjoy a tour of Fenway Park?
Continuing your way north, the
charming towns of Portsmouth,
Kennebunk, and Ogunquit are
beautiful year-round, but especially
charming in the fall. There, embark
on a fisherman’s boat to look
for lobsters, or simply enjoy the
pool and grounds at your hotel in
between strolls into town.
Finally, onto Twin Farms, in the
middle of the Green Mountains (not
so green in the Fall!). An all-inclusive
property, Twin Farms is a perfect
ending to this trip: enjoy pure fresh
air, relaxation, hikes around the
property, kayaking, fat biking, and
our favorite Stave puzzles.
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 5
FALLING FOR NEW ENGLANDThe Ultimate Road Trip
OTHER STUNNING FALL FOLIAGE
Blue Ridge Parkway, NC: Late September to late October. One of the most popular times to visit the region, everyone wants a chance to see the Appalachian awash in reds, golds, and lingering shades of green.
Columbia River Gorge, OR: Mid-September to mid-October. The scenic highway separating Oregon and Washington offers fascinating colors, from yellow maples to reds and oranges.
Glacier National Park, MT: Mid-September to mid-October. Glacier National Park boasts “two autumns” per year, starting with the cottonwood and aspen trees changing from green to gold before the tamaracks turn to brilliant gold.
by Geoffrey RavoireLuxury Travel Advisor
The TRAVEL TATTLER PAGE 6
KAYLA● The Exumas, Bahamas
I am a true beach bum at heart and
could spend every day relaxing
on a beach! I cannot resist the
sapphire blue water and white sand
beaches — plus the opportunity to
swim with pigs! There are so many
beautiful and unspoiled nooks and
crannies to explore.
● Denali National Park
Spending time disconnected from
the world, completely immersed
in Alaska’s amazing scenery and
wildlife has been a wish for a
long time! Although a year-round
destination, I’d love to visit in winter
to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern
Lights) and the Denali sled dogs!
● Amsterdam
I have always been intrigued by
Amsterdam. I’d love to explore the
charming canals, cobblestone streets,
and fascinating history. We would
taste our way around the city —
starting with waffles, Dutch fries, and
cheese! Also, my children will soon
be at an age to truly understand the
emotions and lessons from a visit to
the Anne Frank house.
KATE● Royal Scotsman
At the top of my travel list is riding
the Belmond Royal Scotsman
Train through Scotland. Passing by
castles and isles in a luxury train
car styled with mahogany and
tweed sounds so romantic! There
is even a spa on the train.
● Skiing the French Alps
Growing up skiing, I always dreamt
that one day I would get to ski in
the French Alps. As I got a little
older, I started dreaming I would spa
in the French Alps, too! L’Apogee
Courchevel is a spectacular setting
to experience both.
● Scandinavia by Boat
Seeing the Baltics and the
Norwegian fjords from the deck of
a two-story suite with a glass of
wine and a dish from a world-class
onboard restaurant sounds to me
like an ideal cruise. The brand-new
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the
perfect size for intimate privacy
and luxurious amenities.
GEOFFREY● Mongolia
Everything about Mongolia
fascinates me: its ancient civilization,
the infinite steppes that I’d love
to explore on horseback, the
famous “eternal blue sky,” and the
rapidly-developing Ulaanbaatar.
True luxury there is not about the
accommodation (yet), but rather
about the life-changing lessons you
learn from these nomadic people.
● Amazon River
Cruising down the Amazon River
has always been a dream. Nothing
but the sounds of the jungle, pink
dolphins, and the elusive jaguar
watching from the shore. Ships
like Aqua Expeditions and Delfin
Cruises offer access to highly-skilled
naturalists for unlimited discoveries.
● Fogo Island Inn
I’d like to take a road trip through
Nova Scotia and end at Fogo Island
Inn, a remote hotel run by the
community. Experience life with
locals by joining them on their daily
activities, from fishing to crafts. A
detour by Gander, where all the
transatlantic flights got parked
during 9/11, is a must for me.
Our AdvisorsWHAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?Get to know the Huffman Travel Advisors a bit better by learning what
places they want to visit most...
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FIND US ON:
LE BRISTOL: A PARISIAN RETREAT
Since 1925, Le Bristol Paris has been celebrated for its luxury, elegance, and high-
touch (yet friendly) service. Today, we believe that what differentiates it
even more, are its architectural features. Situated on the fashionable rue du
Faubourg Saint-Honoré, this fully-renovated property is built around an
exquisite 13,000 sqft manicured garden that evolves with the seasons.
Listen to the birds chirp with the sun shining on your face, a glass of rosé
in hand — an air of countryside in the center of Paris. Some of the rooms
and suites (we’d happily point them out) boast private balconies and decks
overlooking this tranquil oasis or other views of Paris. Perhaps our favorite
feature, the wellbeing offering is comprised of a fitness center, La Prairie
Spa, and the striking indoor rooftop pool complete with its outside sundeck
— unobstructed views of Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Paris skyline
guaranteed. The perfect spot to soar above the city.
WHERE SOUTHERN CHARM MEETS TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Uncover the best of Charleston and its natural surroundings
before returning to a warm welcome in the heart of the historic
district. Being in the center of the town, Belmond Charleston
Place allows you to start your day with a restorative yoga session,
get out of the city for a full-day experience visiting acclaimed
plantations like Drayton Hall, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens,
and Middleton Place; before returning in time for a sunset cruise
on a private boat. Should you be even more adventurous, golf
courses and nature reserves around Charleston are unspoiled and
the set of unforgettable wildlife encounters. Being the grande
dame of Charleston’s hotel scene, Belmond Charleston Place
has always helped our guests get unparalleled access to the
treasures of South Carolina.
CALIFORNIA NATURE AT ITS BEST
Spread across seven acres of secluded gardens overlooking Santa
Barbara, Belmond El Encanto has been part of Santa Barbara’s social
scene since opening in 1918. One of our favorite things about this
resort is that it balances gleaming and glamorous with relaxed and low
key — and there’s never more than two rooms per building, talk about
social distancing! The kind of place that invites you to recline poolside,
breathe in the ocean air, and sip a glass of crisp local wine on your
private terrace. Closely located to open hiking trails and bike paths,
Belmond El Encanto offers a perfect base for countryside exploration
and nature activities. Experience the ridges and bluffs of the Santa
Ynez Mountains. Grab a surfboard and head down to Rincon Point. For something more leisurely, paddleboard
along the coast at sunset. Ask one of us here at Huffman Travel — there’s no shortage of scenic options!
